Norwich man given last chance over cannabis offence

A Norwich man, who was found with four cannabis plants and skunk cannabis with a street value of £1,700 has been given a last chance by a judge.

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Daniel Paterson, 27, was discovered cultivating the cannabis plants in what was described as a “sophisticated” set up as well and having some skunk cannabis when police raided his address in Spencer Street, in May, this year, Norwich Crown Court heard.

Nick Methold, prosecuting, said that £500 in cash was also recovered.

Paterson admitted cultivating cannabis and possession with intent to supply. The court heard he had a previous conviction for producing cannabis in 2006.

However, after hearing that Paterson was now getting help to stop his use of cannabis, Judge Stephen Holt decided to give him a last chance.

He imposed a four month jail sentence suspended for two years and ordered him to do 150 hours unpaid work.

He warned him: “This really is your last chance.”

He told him: “This is not your first conviction and you know full well the courts view of dealing with people providing drugs.”

He said that when police raided his address they found a “sophisticated set up” for growing cannabis. However he accepted Paterson was now getting treatment to break the cycle of his cannabis use.

Jonathan Morgans, for Paterson, said “He is remorseful for what he has done. He was spending a great deal of money he earned on cannabis. He knows the misery of being caught in any sort of drug misuse.”

He said that Paterson had real insight into his offending.

“He is remorseful and determined never to use drugs again or be involved in the supply or production of drugs.”